Compulsory training

We want you to be as prepared as possible for your new role. We've collated a list of mandatory training courses for all new staff within the College.

All staff

The table below details  the compulsory training courses for all staff regardless of role.

TitleDetailHow to bookTimeframes for completion
Data protection training

Under the University's Data Protection Policy, all staff have responsibility for data protection compliance in their day-to-day work. To keep up to date with these responsibilities, staff must complete the University's mandatory data protection training module.

Academics conducting research and the research support staff members must also complete the additional module “Data Protection for Research”. 

On People and MoneyBy the end of week 1
Equality and diversity essentialsThe module outlines definitions such as the different forms of discrimination (direct, indirect etc), what constitutes bullying or harassment, and provides a brief overview on cultural awareness.On People and MoneyWithin the first month
Introduction to Health and SafetyA introductory video to Health and Safety within the University and how it is managed.On the Health and Safety WebsiteBy the end of week 1
Fire safetyAll members of staff are required to complete the staff training as part of their induction training and thereafter at least once every 3 years. It is the responsibility of the Head of School/Management Unit to ensure staff complete fire safety awareness training as per this arrangement, to ensure the University meets their statutory obligations in reference to staff training.

The course is available via the Cardinus web-based e-Learning course at: https://edin.ac/2HGCS60 

Users should log in to the system with their University Log In (formerly EASE) credentials.

Within the first month
Information security trainingThis gives the basics about the most common kinds of attack, and shows how to protect ourselves from them.On People and MoneyBy the end of week 1
Healthy workingThis course is for regular computer/laptop users and includes full Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessment.

The course is available via the Cardinus web-based e-Learning course at: https://edin.ac/2HGCS60 

Users should log in to the system with their University Log In (formerly EASE) credentials.

By the end of week 1
Home workingThis course helps you in setting up your home work area (if you work from home at any time in your working week)

The course is available via the Cardinus web-based e-Learning course at: https://edin.ac/2HGCS60 

Users should log in to the system with their University Log In (formerly EASE) credentials.

Within the first month
Challenging unconscious bias

This module explores what Unconscious Bias (UB) is, what it means, and how it impacts on the people around us in the workplace.

*This online course is mandatory for staff involved in recruitment and promotion.

On People and MoneyWithin the first 3 months (*if applicable)
Recruitment and selection essentials

The Recruitment and Selection Essentials online training course will provide you with a practical, straightforward framework for recruiting fairly, lawfully and effectively.  Incorporating detailed how-to guides, case studies to explore the practical application of key ideas, along with an 'ask the expert' quick-reference facility will give you the knowledge and skills needed to make the right recruitment decisions.

*This online course is mandatory for staff involved in recruitment and promotion.

On People and MoneyWithin the first 3 months (*if applicable)

 In addition to the mandatory training courses above for all staff, those in leadership and management related roles must also undertake the following:

TitleDetailHow to bookTimeframes for completion
Online toolkit for managersThis covers topics including delegation, coaching, influencing others, leadership, thinking and acting strategically, developing your team, giving and receiving feedback, difficult conversations, resilience and managing remotely.Self-directed via various links at https://www.ed.ac.uk/human-resources/learning-development/coursesWithin the first 3-6 months
UoE Leadership and Management ProgrammesFind out more about the Aspiring Manager, the Edinburgh Manager and the Edinburgh Leader programmes and secure your place on the next intake.https://www.ed.ac.uk/human-resources/learning-development/leadership-programmesDependent on course availability
Line management for ResearchersOnline toolkits and resources covering common aspects of management, for you to engage with at your own pace.https://support-for-researchers.ed.ac.uk/resources/resources-managers-researchers/toolkits-resourcesWithin the first 3 months
Risk AssessmentStaff who contribute to, complete, and/or review risk assessments should be trained in how to undertake these.https://www.ed.ac.uk/health-safety/training/portfolio/hazard-specific/risk-assessmentWithin the first 3 months

In addition to the mandatory training courses above for all staff, those in Research related roles must also undertake the following:

TitleDetailHow to bookTimeframes for completion
Data Protection for ResearchersThis short course will provide you with the ability to apply the GDPR to research activities, write information leaflets or statements for research participants, determine the appropriate legal basis for your research and complete the Data Protection Impact Assessment part of an ethics approval application.Self-enrol via People and Money. Detail can be found here: https://data-protection.ed.ac.uk/training-eventsWithin the first month
Research Data MantraMANTRA is a free online course for those who manage digital data as part of their research project.Research Data MantraWithin the first 1-2 months
Introduction to Research Ethics and IntegrityThis training has been developed to support researchers from all disciplines and at various stages of their career paths to enhance their research practice. This training will introduce the concepts of research ethics and integrity, a core part of good research practice.Self-enrol via LEARN course catalogue > Browse categories > Self-enrol IAD coursesWithin the first month
Risk AssessmentStaff who contribute to, complete, and/or review risk assessments should be trained in how to undertake these.https://www.ed.ac.uk/health-safety/training/portfolio/hazard-specific/risk-assessmentWithin the first 1-2 months
Researchers involved with TeachingInformation and links to training and resources as well as routes to accreditation for your teaching.https://support-for-researchers.ed.ac.uk/resources/get-involved-teaching/training-accreditation-resourcesWithin the first 1-2 weeks

For a full list of training available for Researchers and Postgraduate Researchers, please refer to the IAD Training Brochures.


In addition to the mandatory training courses above for all staff, those in Academic related roles must also undertake the following: 

TitleDetailHow to bookTimeframes for completion
Fundamentals of PhD SupervisionThis course aims to help new supervisors develop their understanding of the role and responsibilities of PhD supervisors at the University of Edinburgh, and to encourage experienced supervisors to reflect on and develop their practice with an increasingly diverse PhD student population.Further details are on the Institute for Academic Development webpage.Within the first month
An Edinburgh Model for Online Teaching Self PacedThis self-led (non-taught) teaching programme is designed to provide participants with a research-led learning experience in a model of online teaching distilled from the ongoing body of online programmes at the University of Edinburgh.Further details are on the Institute for Academic Development webpageAs required

Completed your mandatory training?

Make sure to take a look at our Acronyms and Abbreviations page to get familiar with our terms. Once you've done that, it's time to settle in.

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